OLI Issues Rail Safety Week 2023 Report

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) has published a results report on this year’s observance of Rail Safety Week (Sept. 18-24, 2023), which it said “reached millions of people with lifesaving rail safety messaging” through events and activities, as well as news stories, digital media campaigns, social media, and Public Service Announcements.

Rail Safety Week, established in 2017, is held annually throughout North America. It is spearheaded by OLI, Operation Lifesaver Canada and the Mexican Association of Railroads. Its goal “is to empower the public to make safe choices when driving or walking near railroad tracks and trains,” according to OLI, because “every three hours a person or vehicle is hit by a train in the United States, and more than 60% of vehicle-train collisions occur at crossings with lights and or gates.”

OLI and its partners in 2023 shared the rail safety message via official proclamations, in-person events, and coordinated social media efforts and campaigns, as well as community events educating the public on how to stay safe near railroad tracks and trains. Additionally, OLI released two new Stop Track Tragedies Public Service Announcements and new educational materials (right) that it said help children from Pre-K through age 12 “prepare to make safe choices when riding transit and commuter trains.”

“Once again, our Board of Directors, Operation Lifesaver State Programs, federal government and safety partners across the U.S. shared our Rail Safety Week campaigns and messaging, generating 8.8 million social media impressions and over 4,100 news stories,” said OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh, who noted that partner numbers are growing. “OLI’s Rail Safety Week digital national and state campaigns on social media channels and via streaming devices, made possible through grant funding from the Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration, resulted in 15.1 million impressions throughout the U.S.” See results chart below:

“Our combined efforts are making a difference,” Maleh said. “Together, we can #STOPTrackTragedies.”

In a related development, OLI recently released its 2022 Annual Report, celebrating 50 years of service.

Save the date: Rail Safety Week 2024 is scheduled for Sept. 23-29.

DOWNLOAD THE RAIL SAFETY WEEK RESULTS REPORT BELOW: